Northwoods League: Stingers pound Honkers 20-3

WILLMAR -- The Willmar Stingers jumped out to an early lead on the Rochester Honkers and captured a 20-3 victory on Wednesday at Bill Taunton Stadium.

With six runs in the first three innings, the Willmar Stingers left no doubt about the eventual outcome, especially with Rochester helping out by committing five errors in the first two innings.

The Stingers are 16-9 in the Northwoods League's second half and lead the North Division by 2.5 games over Duluth with 10 games left and the Huskies coming to Willmar for an important three-game set beginning today at 7:05 p.m. Willmar plays eight of its final 10 games at home.

On Wednesday, a two-run single by Dillon Haupt in the first inning and a two-run single by single by Michael Suchy in the second fueled the Willmar Stingers' offense early.

Kenny Roberts racked up four RBIs on four hits. He singled in the second inning, doubled in the fourth inning, and homered in the fifth inning.

The Rochester Honkers were led by Jared Allen, who was 1-for-2, drove in one and scored one run.

Tanner Banks recorded his first win of the year for the Willmar Stingers. He allowed two runs over five innings. Banks struck out two, walked seven and gave up four hits.

Matt Kent couldn't get it done on the rubber for the Rochester Honkers, taking a loss. He allowed nine runs in four innings, walked one and struck out one.